Report: Trump Signals That U.S. Could Rejoin TPP

The president pulled out of the agreement to protect American workers, but it's possible Chinese economic aggression will force him to use TPP to contain the dragon.

By NTK Staff | 04.12.2018 @2:28pm

According tolawmaker accounts, President Trump told NEC Director Larry Kudlow to seek re-entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on Thursday, in an effort to contain China’s economic aggression.

The president originally pulled the United States out of the agreement, calling it a “horrible deal.”

But in the face of China’s expanding violation of international trade norms, the president is moving towards rejoining the Asia-centric market partnership.

"Larry – go get it done," @SenSasse quoted Pres as telling Kudlow about possibly joining TPP trans-pacific trade deal. Says pres repeatedly said it might be easier for the US to join now. Pres originally withdrew US from TPP on his 4th day in office.

While Trump has committed himself to avoiding trade deals, the president may have calculated that more Americans suffer at China’s hands than would under the TPP. U.S. participation in the agreement could give it influence over China’s regional ambitions.